Hand-held data collector with detachable scanner

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is data collection apparatus for hand use. The apparatus comprises a body and a bar code scanner. The body has: a central portion adapted to be and gripped in the manner of a joystick; a switch positioned on the central portion and positioned in the manner of a pistol trigger, for finger actuation; a first data entry portion to which the central portion extends, the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numeric keypad, each key of said keypad being adapted for and actuable in use by the thumb of said hand; and a second data entry portion from which the central portion extends. The scanner is: adapted for actuation by said switch; has a configuration in which the bar code scanner defines a protuberance extending from the first data entry portion; and is detachable from the body for use in tight spaces.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/960,124, filed Dec. 3, 2010, which: 1) is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/365,524, filed Jul. 9, 2010, 2) is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/365,528,filed Jul. 9, 2010, and 3) claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/366,741, filed Jul. 22, 2010, all of whichapplications are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of apparatus for the collection ofdata such as inventory data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Accurate inventory information is vital to the success of manybusinesses engaged in the sales of goods and merchandise. A business,such as a retail store, must maintain a reasonably accurate inventory.This is essential to meeting the demands of its customers and itincreases the likelihood that the customer will return to shop. If theretail store is out of one or more items, customers seeking the itemwill be disappointed. A disappointed customer will most likely shop atanother store, and the retail store will lose the customer's purchase.Furthermore, the retail store may lose the customer in the long-termbecause the customer may conclude that another well-stocked store canbetter meet their needs. On the other hand, an overstock of inventoryresults in a waste of capital.

When an item is sold, the inventory level of the item decreases. Theretail store typically tries to restock the item before the inventorylevel becomes too low or the store completely runs out of the item. Inorder to be able to restock the item before the inventory level gets toolow, the retail store must regularly monitor the inventory level. Infact, most retail stores monitor the inventory frequently to ensure theyhave sufficient products to meet the regular demands of their customers.

Typically, a retail store keeps its inventory information stored in acomputerized system. This system will typically not detect errors ininventory levels due to customer or employee theft, shipping orreceiving errors and product mislabelling. In order to monitor theinventory accurately, an employee or some other individual mustperiodically physically count each item to validate the computerizedinventory information. In large retail stores that stock thousands ofitems, it is difficult for a retailer to manually count the items andcollect the inventory data.

Retail stores often contract with a service provider to collect andconsolidate their inventory data. The service provider usually hasoperators that use specialized computers or other hand-held machines(“hand-held machines”) to collect the inventory data. Outside servicesare also used to provide an independent opinion count of the inventorylevels for financial reporting purposes.

Although the foregoing description emphasizes the retail environment,and inventory applications, it will be understood that expeditious datacollection is useful in other applications. Warehousing applications andnon-inventory merchandising applications are but two examples.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Apparatus for collecting data and for use by a hand forms one aspect ofthe invention. This apparatus comprises a body and a bar code scanner.The body has a central portion, a switch, a first data entry portion towhich the central portion extends and a second data entry portion fromwhich the central portion extends. The central portion is adapted to beand gripped in use by said hand in the manner of a joystick. The switchis positioned on the central portion and positioned in the manner of apistol trigger, for actuation in use by a finger of said hand selectedfrom index finger and middle finger. The first data entry portion has atleast a 10-digit numeric keypad, each key of said keypad being adaptedfor and actuable in use by the thumb of said hand. The bar code scanneris adapted for actuation by said switch and defines a protuberanceextending from the first data entry portion.

According to another aspect of the invention, the second data entryportion can comprise a view screen, a navigation switch and two functionkeys.

According to another aspect of the invention, the keypad can include 10digit keys and 5 function keys.

According to another aspect of the invention, the body can furthercomprise a light arrangement capable of producing high intensity red,yellow and green light on demand.

According to another aspect of the invention, the body can be elongateand have a longitudinal axis and the bar code scanner can be orientatedat about 45° to the body axis.

According to another aspect of the invention, the central portion candefine a waist portion of the body.

Apparatus for collecting data and for use by a hand forms another aspectof the invention. This apparatus comprises a body and a bar codescanner. The body has: a central portion; a switch positioned on thecentral portion; a first data entry portion to which the central portionextends, the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numerickeypad; and a second data entry portion from which the central portionextends, the second data entry portion having at least a navigationswitch and a view screen. In this apparatus,

-   -   the central portion is adapted to be gripped in use by said hand        in the manner of a joystick in a first configuration, wherein:    -   the first data entry portion is disposed above the second data        entry portion; the switch is actuable in use by a finger of said        hand selected from index finger and middle finger in the manner        of a trigger; and each key of said keypad is actuable in use by        the thumb of said hand; and    -   a second configuration, wherein: the second data entry portion        is disposed above the first data entry portion; and the        navigation switch is actuable by the thumb of said hand.

With respect to this apparatus, in use, the view screen has a firstorientation when the central portion is in the first configuration and asecond orientation, 180° relative to the first orientation, when thecentral portion is in the second configuration.

According to another aspect of the invention, a bar code scanner,adapted for actuation by said switch and defining a protuberanceextending from the first data entry portion, can be provided.

According to another aspect of the invention: the keypad can have 10digit keys and 5 function keys; the second data entry portion can have aview screen, a navigation switch and 2 function keys; and the navigationswitch and 2 function keys can be actuable by the thumb of said hand inthe second configuration.

According to another aspect of the invention, the view screen can be atouch screen and the touch screen can be actuable by the thumb of saidhand in the second configuration.

Apparatus for collecting data and for use by a hand forms another aspectof the invention. This apparatus comprises a body and a bar codescanner. The body has a central portion, a switch, a first data entryportion to which the central portion extends and a second data entryportion from which the central portion extends. The central portion isadapted to be and gripped in use by said hand in the manner of ajoystick. The switch is positioned on the central portion and positionedin the manner of a pistol trigger, for actuation in use by a finger ofsaid hand selected from index finger and middle finger. The first dataentry portion has at least a 10-digit numeric keypad, each key of saidkeypad being adapted for and actuable in use by the thumb of said hand.The bar code scanner is adapted for actuation by said switch and has aconfiguration in which the bar code scanner defines a protuberanceextending from the first data entry portion. The bar code scanner isdetachable from the body for use in tight spaces.

According to another aspect of the invention: the body can define asocket; and the bar code scanner can form part of a scanner assembly,the scanner assembly having a plug part which is received in said socketwhen the bar code scanner is in the configuration in which the scannerdefines a protuberance extending from the first data entry portion.

According to another aspect of the invention, the scanner assembly andthe body can each incorporate apparatus for storing electricity and thescanner assembly and the body can share these apparatus when attached.

According to another aspect of the invention, the scanner assembly canwirelessly transmit data to the body at least when detached and in use.

According to another aspect of the invention, the scanner assembly canbe adapted to be held in the palm of said hand and can have a secondaryswitch positioned thereon for actuation in use by one of the thumb, theindex finger and the middle finger of said hand.

According to another aspect of the invention, the scanner assembly canbe adapted to be held in the palm of said hand and can have a secondaryswitch positioned thereon for actuation in use by the thumb of saidhand.

According to another aspect of the invention, the plug part of thescanner assembly can be elongate and can have a longitudinal axis andthe bar code scanner can be orientated at about 45° to the plug axis.

According to another aspect of the invention, the plug part can have agroove formed therein traversing the plug part from front to back; andthe scanner assembly can have a wrist strap adapted to be wrapped aroundthe plug part and fitted in the groove, thereby to be contained withinthe socket when the bar code scanner is in the configuration in whichthe scanner defines a protuberance extending from the first data entryportion.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention,as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements ofthe structure, and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description and the appended claims with reference tothe accompanying drawings and photographs, the latter being brieflydescribed hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a prior art hand-held data collector;

FIG. 2 is a front plan of a hand-held data collector according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the collector of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the collector of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the collector of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a part of the collector of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 7 is a right side view of the part of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a view of the structure of FIG. 2 with the structure of FIG. 6removed therefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a prior art hand-held data collector 100. Completeconstruction details of the data collector 100, the manner in which itis used and the manner in which the data collected is handled areprovided in US 2007/0262142, and the complete disclosure of thispublication is incorporated herein by reference. However, for ease ofreference, only, features of this prior art collector germane to thepresent invention are set forth briefly below.

The data collector 100 includes a rectangular top 102 and bottom 104section connected to each other through an elongated middle section 106.The top section 102 houses a bar code scanner 108, a keyboard 110 and adisplay 112. The keyboard 110 has a 10-digit keypad 114, first andsecond ENTER keys 116, as well as function keys 124 including Y/PLUSkey, a N/MULTIPLY key, a MINUS key, a BACKSPACE key and an END key. Thebottom section 104 houses a second keyboard 118. In use, the operatorgrasps the elongated middle section 106 with one hand. The scanner 108is activated by pressing a trigger switch on the backside of the middlesection with the index or middle finger of the same hand, the triggerswitch being indicated in phantom by 120. The operator can use his orher other hand to adjust and move merchandise when necessary. The datacollector 100 is shaped and dimensioned to allow the operator to pointthe scanner 108 at a bar code for scanning

The keys 124, 116, 114 are activated using the thumb of the graspinghand. It is noted that the first and second ENTER keys 116 are placed atappropriate locations to allow either a right-handed operator or aleft-handed operator to conveniently operate the machine. The remainingkeys 124,114 allow an operator to relatively quickly populate a databasefollowing a pre-programmed loop. Typically, for each job, the devicesare pre-programmed by the team leader to follow a loop specific to thejob. For example, in cases where the operator was required to takeinventory on a shelf-by-shelf basis of each product, includingquantities, the device would be programmed to permit the END key to beused by the operator to signify that a shelf had been inventoried.Following entry of the END key, the operator would be prompted to enterthe number of the next shelf to be inventoried. Once the number of theshelf had been keyed, selection of the ENTER key causes the device toenter the inventory loop, i.e.

-   -   scan a barcode, by depressing the trigger 120, or collecting the        barcode by manually keying the digits thereof and selecting        ENTER    -   entering the quantity of the product by keying in the number of        products visually counted, followed by ENTER, or following an        arithmetic calculation using the calculator keys [numeric and        arithmetic operator keys] , followed by ENTER.

The BACKSPACE key has the function normally expected, i.e. it reversesthe last keystroke, to permit corrections.

This machine arrangement has proven advantageous in use in terms of thespeed by which accurate data collection can be safely carried out byskilled operators. Without intending to be bound by theory:

-   -   the hand-grippable middle section 106, the scanner 108 and the        trigger switch 120 are configured in the manner of a        conventional gun-type scanner, for relatively high speed        single-item scanning; this is advantageous, as single-item        scanning forms a large part of the effort associated in the data        collection business    -   the placement of the numeric keypad 114, arithmetic operator        keys and ENTER keys [124] is such that, in a relatively short        period of time, most operators develop substantial thumb        dexterity, and can relatively quickly enter numerics using only        the thumb of the grasping hand; this is advantageous, as numeric        entry is quite common in the data collection business, and in        many situations, it is quite advantageous to be able to enter        data with one hand and leave another hand free, for example, to        keep track of the location to which the operator has counted in        a rack of shirts    -   the keyboard 118 is on hand at all times, out of the way during        scanning, and usable by the non-grasping hand, for entry of        small data blocks, which needs to be done occasionally.

Hand-held apparatus for collecting inventory data which forms aninventive improvement to the prior art data collector is illustrated inFIGS. 2-5 and indicated by general reference numeral 20 and will be seento include a body 22 and a bar code scanner 28. It will be evident thatthis device maintains the advantages of the prior art device, in that itincludes:

-   -   a hand-grippable central portion 26, a scanner 28 and a trigger        switch 30 configured in the manner of a conventional gun-type        scanner    -   a first data entry portion 32, i.e. a keypad with number keys 34        and 5 function keys 36, positioned to permit numeric counts        using only the thumb of the grasping hand; and    -   a second data entry portion, i.e. a keyboard, this time in the        form of a touch screen display 38, from which the central        portion extends and usable by the non-grasping hand.

However, with reference to earlier mentioned FIGS. 2-5, as well as FIGS.6-8, it should be understood that the present device incorporatesnumerous variations over the prior art device, namely:

-   -   a protuberance, which defines the scanner 28 and which is        detachable    -   internal apparatus for storing electricity in the body 22 and        power sharing circuitry (not shown)    -   the aforementioned touch screen display 38    -   a pair of function keys 40 and a navigation switch 42    -   an accelerometer internal of the body 22    -   a finger strap 44    -   wireless communication circuitry internal to the body 22    -   a microphone 48    -   a speaker 50    -   camera 52    -   flash 54    -   performance lights 56

Turning first to the detachable bar code scanner 28, persons of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that, sometimes, scanning must be donein tight spaces. By forming the bar code scanner 28 as a protuberance,i.e. projecting from and narrower than the first data entry portion 32,rather than as an extension of the keypad as in the prior art, scanningis facilitated generally. Further, the bar code scanner 28 is formed aspart of a bar code scanner assembly 58 which includes a plug part 60that, as shown in FIG. 2-4, is received in a socket 62 formed in thebody 22 and which, as indicated in FIGS. 5-8, can be withdrawn from thesocket 62, held in the palm of the user and actuated by thumb-depressionof a switch 61. This permits scanning in particularly tight spaces.

To provide such detachability, the bar code assembly 58 has an internalapparatus for storing electricity, i.e. a battery, and has internalwireless circuitry which transmits, by Bluetooth and in real time, thescanned data to the body 22. When attached, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, afixed link is provided between the scanner 28 and the body 22 for datatransmission, to avoid the power draw associated with wirelesstransmission and extend battery life. The power sharing circuitry,coupled with electricity storage devices in both the bar code scanner 58and the body 22, provides advantage in use, in that inter alia, itlessens the likelihood that either device will require a charge beforethe other (which takes away from operator productivity). It will benoted that the bar code scanner 28 is orientated at an angle a that isapproximately 45° to the longitudinal axis X1-X1 of the plug part 60.This has been found to be advantageous in terms of ergonomics whenscanning.

Notable in respect of the bar code scanner assembly 58 is the presenceof a groove 64 formed in the plug part 60, traversing the plug part 60from front to back, and a wrist strap 62 adapted to be wrapped aroundthe plug part 60 and fitted in the groove 64, thereby to be containedwithin the socket 62 when the bar code scanner 28 is in theconfiguration in which the scanner 28 defines a protuberance extendingfrom the first data entry portion 32, i.e. as shown in FIGS. 2-5. Bythis arrangement, the wrist strap 62 is always kept nearby, to minimizethe risk of damage when the bar code scanner 28 is detached and properlyused. At the same time, the wrist strap 62 is not in the way when thebar code scanner 28 is properly stored in socket 62.

The touch screen display 38 allows for the removal of the fixed priorart LED display which has advantage in terms of increased flexibility.As well, movement of the display 38 to the other end of the devicefurther minimizes the dimensions of the device at the scanning end,which can have advantage when scanning in tight spaces.

The pair of function keys 40 and the navigation switch 42 provideredundant controls for the touch screen 38, in the event that the touchsensor fails. In this regard, it will be noted that, by providing atouch screen display 38, great flexibility in terms of data entryprocedures can be accommodated, and this is advantageously menu driven.The navigation switch 42 is of the multi-directional sensor type, i.e.akin to a track ball or joystick, and can be used to navigate the cursorthrough the menus and to enter a selection, by depression of the switch42. The function keys 40 can be used in a manner analogous to the L/Rbuttons on a computer mouse. This arrangement has been found to beuser-friendly and an adequate substitute for the touch screen interfacein the event of malfunction.

These lower function keys 40 can also be used to supplement the 5function keys 36 provided as part of the first data entry portion. Byway of further explanation, in the prior art, 7 function keys wereprovided, namely, [ENTER], [ENTER], [BACKSPACE], [PLUS/Y], [MULTIPLY/N],[MINUS] and [END]. In the exemplary embodiment, only 5 function keys 36are thumb-actuable: [ENTER], [BACKSPACE], [PLUS/Y], [MULTIPLY/N] and[END]. The function keys 40 flanking the navigation switch 42 can beprogrammed to service as [MINUS] and [DECIMAL] which are relativelyinfrequently used in comparison to the previous 5 keys mentioned. The 5function keys 36 in the exemplary embodiment function generally in amanner analogous to the 7 function keys of the prior art, accordingly,further detailed description is neither required nor provided.

The accelerometer allows the device to identify its relative orientationin space. This permits further leveraging of the touch screen display38, and the benefits of the navigation switch 42 and function keys 40.More specifically, the accelerometer allows the device to ascertain ifit is positioned in a configuration, ie. with the first data entryportion 32 above the second data entry portion 38, or in a secondconfiguration, with the second data entry portion 38 above the firstdata entry portion 32, and adjusts the display 38 of the deviceaccordingly, so that text can be read.

Notably,

-   -   in the first configuration, the trigger switch 30 is actuable by        the index or middle finger of the grasping hand and the numeric        34 and 5 function keys 36 of the first data entry portion 32 are        positioned to permit numeric counts using only the thumb of the        grasping hand;    -   in the second configuration, the navigation switch 42, function        keys 40 and touch screen 38 are actuable in use by the thumb of        said hand when the second portion is gripped by said hand in the        second configuration.

The finger strap 44 has the function and advantage one would expecttherefrom, namely, to loosely strap the grasping hand of the operator tothe backside of the device, to reduce the likelihood that the devicewill become dislodged from the hand and exposed to damage and to reducehand strain.

A belt clip (not shown) permits the device to be hung from the belt of auser when not in use generally, and also when the scanner 28 isdetached.

The wireless circuitry contained within the body 22 allows the device totransfer data to a wireless hub. This wireless connection avoids theneed present in the prior art for periodic data downloads. The wirelesshub can, for example, be a PC or laptop. When the wireless hub isconnected to the Internet, the devices can communicate by SMS messagingvia this wireless connection. In this regard, it is notable that thesecond data entry portion can be held in two hands, and manipulated withtwo thumbs, for expeditious typing on the touch screen. The device alsois provided with a USB port and a SD flash card slot. This permits thedevice to be connected to the Internet via a cellular network or a landline, for the same purposes as indicated above.

The microphone 48 and speaker 50, in combination with the wirelesscircuitry, enables the device to operate as a wireless phone by VOIP. Aswell, the microphone 48 allows the collection of data in the form ofspoken words, and the speaker allows for, inter alia, audio playback ofspoken word inventory data. Further, in combination with the touchscreen 38, full audio/visual messaging can be provided to the operators,which is useful for training purposes and the like.

The camera 52 allows the collection of static and dynamic videoinventory data.

The flash 54 allows operation of the camera 52 in low light conditions.The flash 54 also functions as a flashlight, to facilitate visualinventory operations in low light conditions.

The performance lights 56 selectively shine either green, red or yellow,and are adapted to be visible at distances by which a team leader orsupervisor might be expected to be removed from the members of his orher team during the course of a job. This permits the pre-loaded programfor the day to trigger lights which are indicative of the productivityof the operator, i.e. devices carried by operators functioning at highproductivity emit green, operators functioning at satisfactoryproductivity emit yellow and operators functioning at unsatisfactoryproductivity emit red. Without intending to be bound by theory, it isbelieved that this arrangement has advantage in terms of creatingconditions conducive for high productivity.

Whereas but a single embodiment is herein described, persons of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that variations are possible.

For example, whereas the device is indicated to be held and operatedwith one hand, only, this is not necessarily. In the context of‘financial counts’, for example, where bar code scanning is notrequired, the device could be held with one hand and typed upon byanother, in the manner of a standard calculator.

Whereas Bluetooth is specifically mentioned, any type of wirelesscommunication protocol can be used.

Whereas the bar code scanner of the exemplary embodiment is palm heldand thumb-actuated, it should be understood that it could equally beactuated by, for example, the forefinger and index finger, and couldtake the form of a wand or stylus. Further, whereas a scanning angle of45° to the axis of the plug part (and the axis of the body itself) isspecified, this is not required; the scanner could operate parallel tothe axis X2-X2 of the body, and at other angles.

Accordingly, the invention should be understood as limited only by theaccompanying claims, purposively construed.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
 1. Apparatus forcollecting data and for use with a hand, said apparatus comprising: abody having a central portion adapted to be and gripped in use by saidhand in the manner of a joystick; a switch positioned on the centralportion and positioned in the manner of a pistol trigger, for actuationin use by a finger of said hand selected from index finger and middlefinger; a first data entry portion to which the central portion extends,the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numeric keypad,each key of said keypad being adapted for and actuable in use by thethumb of said hand; and a second data entry portion from which thecentral portion extends; wherein the second data entry portion comprisesa view screen and a navigation switch.
 2. Apparatus according to claim1, wherein the keypad includes 10 digit keys and 5 function keys. 3.Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the body further comprises alight arrangement capable of producing high intensity red, yellow andgreen light on demand.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecentral portion defines a waist portion of the body.
 5. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 further comprising a bar code scanner adapted foractuation by said switch.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein thebar code scanner has a configuration wherein the scanner wirelesslytransmits data to the body.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, whereinthe bar code scanner is detachable from the body and wirelesslytransmits data to the body when in use and detached.
 8. Apparatusaccording to claim 7, wherein the scanner and the body each incorporateapparatus for storing electricity, and the scanner and the body sharethese apparatus when attached.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 7,wherein the scanner is adapted to be held in the palm of said hand andhas a secondary switch positioned thereon for actuation in use by thethumb of said hand.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein thescanner is adapted to be held in the palm of said hand and has asecondary switch positioned thereon for actuation in use by one of thethumb; the index finger; and the middle finger of said hand. 11.Apparatus for collecting data and for use with a hand, said apparatuscomprising: a body having a central portion adapted to be and gripped inuse by said hand in the manner of a joystick; a switch positioned on thecentral portion and positioned in the manner of a pistol trigger, foractuation in use by a finger of said hand selected from index finger andmiddle finger; a first data entry portion to which the central portionextends, the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numerickeypad, each key of said keypad being adapted for and actuable in use bythe thumb of said hand; a second data entry portion from which thecentral portion extends; and a bar code scanner adapted for actuation bysaid switch, the bar code scanner having a configuration wherein thescanner wirelessly transmits data to the body.
 12. Apparatus accordingto claim 11, wherein the scanner assembly and the body each incorporateapparatus for storing electricity and the scanner assembly and the bodyshare these apparatus when attached.
 13. Apparatus according to claim11, wherein the scanner assembly is adapted to be held in the palm ofsaid hand and has a secondary switch positioned thereon for actuation inuse by one of the thumb; the index finger; and the middle finger of saidhand.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the scanner assemblyis adapted to be held in the palm of said hand and has a secondaryswitch positioned thereon for actuation in use by the thumb of saidhand.